Apartments: Greener and More Sustainable Trend

A successful example of the green living is Singapore. The urban planning of this country focuses priority on green space, so the condominium is the most common living space. Over 90 percent of Singaporeans are satisfied living in fully equipped apartments. Residential buildings in Singapore apply the most green technology of the world. The buildings are installed by solar absorption panels on roofs or windows, energy saving elevators and escalators, effective air-conditioning systems and emission monitoring software. Besides, the buildings are covered by plants and small gardens.

 

Singapore has no oppressed living space as in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Thanks to green and natural designs that are blended into urban areas to create a green space everywhere and provide higher living quality for residents.

 

Currently, all buildings in Singapore are green-certified and the country is focusing on changing people's behaviours in its green strategy. Local people will receive assistance from the Green Mark Fund worth of SGD50 million to supplement and install new equipment to save electricity and water in their living space. Based on this model, each resident gives one dollar and the government will support one dollar.

 

This model has not been present in Vietnam. Vietnam does not even have criteria for green buildings. However, Vietnam now has some pioneers who are catching up the world's green trend. Luxury apartment tower D' Le Pont D'or in Hanoi is a typical example. The tower is surrounded by 13-hectare Hoang Cau lake and with its entire roof designed like a park in harmony with the landscapes. With its unique designs, Tan Hoang Minh, developer and investor of D' Le Pont D'or, was recognized by BCIAA as a top 10 prestigious investor in Vietnam.

Green buildings are designed for energy efficiency to reduce greenhouse effects. In addition, use of energy saving is one of the most effective measures to reduce greenhouse gases and contribute to sustainable development.

 

Many investors are concerned that the application of green design and modern equipment will increase total investment of the project. According to the leader of Tan Hoang Minh, this is not correct. To build up a green and energy saving apartment tower, Tan Hoang Minh begins to make use of natural energy, then applying electric motors to increase operational efficiency. One effective way to save energy in the building is by equipping it with modern equipment and management systems of skyscrapers. The technology of the building is automatic, which brings high performance and enhances safety and durability. The high-tech application could increase the investment but ensure the luxury of the building. The D'Le Pont D'or helps to enhance performance and optimize the energy use of the building.

 

Designers need to invest more to create the best for the operation of green buildings. The investors need to change the mindset; instead of being concerned about increases in investment, they need to focus on creating a sustainable building that meets the higher demands for the environment in the future.